Kate Beckinsale has posted a series of lovely old photos to commemorate the 45th anniversary of her late father’s passing.
Richard Beckinsale, who portrayed Lennie Godber in iconic BBC comedy Porridge, passed away on March 19, 1979, after suffering a heart attack.
The Underworld actress, who was a young child when he passed, remembered the day by sharing a tribute on Instagram – which included a collection of pictures from their time together.
She also expressed her wish that he has ‘met’ her step-dad, Roy Battersby, who passed away in January.
Taking to the platform, the 50-year-old – who is presently receiving medical attention in hospital – began: ‘Oh. The day you died comes round so suddenly even when I’m expecting it.
‘This is my first year without any father figure for a long time. How I miss you. How familiar this falling through an abyss.
‘How horribly like home falling with no one to catch you feels.’
Kate concluded the post: ‘I hope your energies have met. I’m so grateful to have had your love. I feel it, like an echo. X.’
Fans quickly filled the comments section below with support for the star during her difficult times.
BurgerMackay wrote: ‘One of the most difficult things anyone can go through is losing a parent. Sending lots of love your way and my thoughts are with you.’
Vincanovinsony replied: ‘Thoughts are with you. Sometimes the best of us are taken too soon. I am sure he is very proud of you in everything you do. I bet he is watching your movies repeatedly.’
As AmyCBeckinsale added: ‘Thinking of you, and sending all the love in the world. As much as I want to post something that’ll help make the pain subside, it just sucks.
‘Just know you have a network of support around you and family who love you. Near, and far.’
It has been a challenging few months for the Beckinsale family as Kate’s mom, Judy Loe has been battling various health issues, at the same time that Roy suffered a brief illness of his own.
The Pearl Harbor star was said to be caring for them both, before she ended up in hospital herself over a mystery illness.
In January, she shared a post on Instagram confirming that Roy had sadly died on January 10 in LA, surrounded by his family.
‘I have no words yet. Thank you @katebeckinsale_slovakia2 for making this beautiful thing,’ she said at the time.
‘I fought for you with everything I had. Oh Roy I am so sorry I lost.’
Roy was a director, known for working on major British TV productions including Inspector Morse and Cracker, with film credits including Winter Flight and Red Mercury.
His most recent project was an episode of A Touch Of Frost eight years ago.
